Imagine this: A car screeches to a halt, and you see someone hit by it. They’re on the ground, clutching their chest. They can still talk but are barely breathing.Your instincts scream, “Do CPR!” But is that the right move?
Knowing when CPR is needed—and when it’s not—can make all the difference in an emergency. Let’s break it down.
CPR Is Not Necessary If the Person Is Conscious
First and foremost: CPR is only for people who are unresponsive and not breathing normally. If someone is conscious, their heart is still pumping effectively. If you do CPR then and there you aren’t giving them the help they need, and you could do hard.
Always remember, if a person is conscious and breathing—even if struggling—CPR is not the solution. Instead, focus on targeted first aid.
What to Do If a Conscious Person Is Struggling to Breathe
When someone is conscious but finding it hard to breathe, here’s how to help based on the situation:
- For Choking: Encourage them to cough if they can. If they can’t cough, speak, or breathe, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts to clear the airway.
- For Asthma or Allergies: Help them use their inhaler or EpiPen if they have one. Keep them upright and calm, and call emergency services if their condition doesn’t improve.
- For a Heart Attack: Look for symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or nausea. Keep the person seated and calm, administer aspirin if available, and call for immediate medical help.
When CPR Is Critical: Unresponsive and Not Breathing
CPR becomes essential when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. This is a sign of cardiac arrest, and every second counts. In this scenario:
- Call emergency services.
- Start chest compressions immediately.
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
What to Do If Someone Is Unconscious but Breathing
Finding someone unconscious but breathing can be unsettling. Here’s why CPR isn’t needed and what you should do instead:
- Why CPR Isn’t Necessary: Breathing means the heart is still functioning. CPR is only needed when both breathing and heart function stop.
- What to Do: Place the person in the recovery position to keep their airway open. This prevents choking and ensures they stay stable until help arrives.
- Stay Alert: Monitor their breathing closely. If it stops, switch to CPR immediately.
A Simple Rule to Remember
If they’re conscious and breathing, no CPR. If they’re unconscious but breathing, no CPR. If they’re unresponsive and not breathing normally—start CPR without hesitation.
Ready to Act in an Emergency?
Emergencies demand quick, confident action. Our Express Practical CPR Course at CPR Course Brisbane equips you with the skills to act decisively when it matters most. Complete online modules at your convenience, then join a short, hands-on session to perfect your technique.
Sign up today and ensure you’re prepared to save a life—whether it’s CPR or another critical first aid response. Enroll now!
Hi there! I'm Jack Majlinger. I began my first aid journey back in 2012, with my first "first aid" course. It was after a hiking accident where a friend had to be airlifted. Over the years, my first aid skills grew, I volunteered at equestrian events and local shows and became a first aid trainer.
When I'm not working on content, I enjoy spotting birds in the wild and writing jangle pop tunes.